Real Gasket Kit for C-85 push rod tubes

[Sgt. NCSHP]

Doing some engine work and was wondering if any of yall had any experience with the Real Gasket kits for replacing those rubber seals on cont. push rod tubes. Mind leak pretty bad on the lower ends, up top at swedged end is dry. Is it worth the time and money and do they actually help stop the leaks?

[joea]

Believe the cost is something like $100-150 per cylinder but I have yet to have heard from ONE person who did not feel that it was well worth the cost after it was done.

Am seriously thinking about doing it on my engine...

Joe A

[Champ99b]

I think I paid 70 or 80 per cylinder but about 2 years ago. Best thing since sliced bread but not sex

[joea]

Champ (a real name would be nice)

Did you do the installation yourself? If yes, how difficult was it?

Joe

[Champ99b]

It isn't too hard you just have to take a lot of parts off. exhaust,intakes ( makes it easier). Be sure and buy the $25 installation to for the springs.

Yes I did it myself with an old A&P being sure that I did it correctly. I had just got my Powerplant license and will have the airframe finished in December

Sorry about the name

Ron Clark

[joea]

Ron,

Now I know who you are!

Yea right, have everything off. Know what you mean. Did you have to take the cylinders loose or did it with them bolted on? That would be my biggest hassle is if you have to slide them off to get things working.

Would really like a dry engine compartment...

Joe

[Champ99b]

Joea

You do not have to take the cylinders off. You do have to cut the old tubes off with a hacksaw blade or what ever works the best for you. first r/m pushrods, stuff papertowel in hole past wher you cut then r/m the two pieces. r/m lifter and their case (forgot what they are called) r/place gaskets and start reinstalling per instructions. Pay close attention to the instructions. I ran into a question and called them on a sunday afternoon and got an answer. Can you believe that!!!!!! Everything comes with the kit except the instilation tool. You will need it.

You will also need to take the air scoop under the engine off also.

I hope this helps if you need anything else PM me and I will give you my Phone #. I can talk better than I can type.

Ron

[flyer fixer]

As a 40+ year practicing A&P / IA I hope this "kit" is STC approved, when you cut off the push rod tubes you are doing a major alteration to that cylinder design. I have always had very good luck with the case end couplings sealing when using the spring rings and a good hose clamp pliers to remove/install them, a prelube or soaking in SAE 40/50 oil helps things go a lot easier. I have seen many severely damaged tubes that some tried to "make do" brazed and reshaped and that works as well as your entire barracks using the same condom! Replacement parts are cheaper than the continual cleaning and eventual repairs later. Have a heart to heart talk with your local A&P. I love the REAL GASKET rocker cover gaskets, they work very well when you follow their installation instructions and TORQUES.

Leon

[Paul Agaliotis]

Leon,
They are STC'd and the new style cylinders from TCM are set up like the O470's. The swaged tubes work good if you can keep people from useing them as a handle.
Paul

[flyer fixer]

OMG, don't tell me that, those washer & spring tube seals are a real pain in the butt, I've spent untold hours and customer $$$ fixing tube leaks on TCM IO-360s (skymasters), O & IO 470 & 520s. It makes it nicer to torque the cylinder base nuts with the tubes out of the way, but adds a lot of other work.

Leon

[Paul Agaliotis]

Leon,
The latest Parts Manual has the illustrations for the new style.
Paul